A Detailed Guide on Australian Shower Waterproofing Standards

by Luke Tries Effects work on Waterproofing, Sealing, Grouting,

Any building's construction or renovation is the ideal time to pay attention towards the bathroom's condition and inspect it comprehensively. If some signs of damage and leakages are traced, shower waterproofing should be the first step in Australia. It is essential to ensure that waterproofing in the bathroom and other areas is done according to the Australian Building Codes and standards AS-3740. There are several guidelines to follow, and we have covered the most vital ones here.

WHAT ARE AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS FOR SHOWER WATERPROOFING?

There are strict rules and guidelines related to shower waterproofing and building works. Contractors, builders and handymen must comply with the standards mentioned in Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas or AS 3740-2010. Here are some common yet highly essential guidelines related to shower waterproofing.

Shower floors must be waterproofed completely, and the walls around the shower area should be waterproofed up to 1800 millimetres.

● The bathroom walls must be waterproofed up to the height of 150 millimetres.

● The steps down the shower area should be waterproofed up to a height of at least 100 mm.

● If the bathroom is not on the ground floor, the entire floor must be thoroughly waterproofed.

● Complete shower floor waterproofing should be conducted if the floor has wood content.

WHAT TO WATERPROOF IN A BATHROOM?

The Waterproofing Of Domestic Wet Areas Act, AS 3740-2010, has clear guidelines on what to waterproof in a bathroom through shower waterproofing services. The details are presented below.

WATERPROOFING TAPS AND FAUCETS

These two areas must be waterproofed at the beginning of the shower waterproofing process. You will have to caulk the faucet area to ensure that no leaks from the tap damage the surrounding areas.

BATHTUB AND SHOWER SKIRTING

You will have to get the bathtub and shower skirting waterproofed using specialised waterproofing services. This will ensure that water or moisture present around the walls and showers doesn't penetrate and generate issues like mould and mildew.

THE FLOORING AREA

Experts of shower waterproofing services should not ignore flooring during the shower waterproofing process. There are strict guidelines related to floor waterproofing, and they say that if the bathroom is not on the ground floor, the entire floor area must be waterproofed completely. Similarly, if the floor is made up of wood or any similar material, again it is important to shower waterproof the entire floor area.

Apart from this, the toilet area should also be waterproofed, and an inspection should be carried out to ensure that all the fixings are tight and perform flawlessly. If there are issues like slowly dripping water or moisture, you must seek shower repair services from reputed local plumbers.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SHOWER PLUMBERS IN SHOWER WATERPROOFING?

The shower plumbing professionals are responsible for inspecting the entire bathroom during renovation. They must ensure that waterproofing is active and done in accordance with local and national standards. If not, they must go for shower waterproofing and complete the process to the guidelines and waterproofing standards mentioned in Australian Standards AS 3740 and AS 4654.

SIGNS THAT YOU NEED SHOWER WATERPROOFING SERVICES

The bathroom and shower area will show several signs to let you know that it's time to be serious about shower waterproofing. Some common signs are discussed here, beginning with the funny and foul smell.

FUNNY AND FOUL SMELL

If you notice any unusual smell in your bathroom, it means the moisture is there and helping the mould and mildew build up there. This mainly happens due to poor waterproofing that allows water to seep into the walls, and dampen them, and when this happens, it becomes a perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow and generate foul smells. This is a clear indicator that it's time to get shower waterproofing services for complete bathroom inspection and shower waterproofing.

APPARENT MOULD AND MILDEW GROWTH

In some cases, you learn about mould and mildew through smell, and in others, they become visible. If this happens in your bathroom, it's time to avail bathroom inspection and shower waterproofing services. The professionals will first detect the source of leakage shower repair the issue, and then waterproof the entire area after eradicating mould, mildew and other imperfections.

Apart from these, if you notice floor bulging near the toilet, sink or bathtub, you should understand that it's time to get a bathroom inspection and shower waterproofing done. Floor bulging happens as the water manages to seep into the floor and swell it from inside. However, this is a less common sign and often dampness and foul smell are considered the top indicators.